DCI has revealed the identities of individuals suspected of looting during protests.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has announced intentions to investigate individuals who exploited recent protests to vandalize properties and businesses. Despite peaceful demonstrations by many Kenyans exercising their democratic rights to protest against the 2024-25 Finance Bill, the DCI reported that some individuals engaged in looting and other criminal activities.

In a statement released on X, the DCI disclosed the identities of suspects captured on CCTV footage and urged the public to provide information leading to their apprehension at the nearest police station.

The DCI emphasized that while peaceful protesters voiced their dissent peacefully, others with criminal motives seized the opportunity to cause harm and economic losses to fellow citizens. Surveillance footage shared by the DCI depicted suspects looting from a closed boutique, many wearing masks and capes to conceal their identities. The looters purportedly infiltrated demonstrations and targeted various business premises, including boutiques, electronics stores, and supermarkets.

Highlighting their mandate to investigate and prosecute such criminal activities, the DCI underscored the severity of these actions which not only infringed upon livelihoods but also compromised constitutional rights. The DCI’s Imaging and Acoustic Unit at the National Forensic Laboratory has collected multiple CCTV recordings identifying suspects involved.

Police differentiated these criminal acts from the peaceful protests and initiated investigations to arrest and prosecute the culprits. They cautioned that additional suspects remained at large, posing ongoing threats to public safety and property.

The DCI urged the community to report any information regarding the looters to local authorities or through the #FichuakwaDCI hotline at 0800 722 203.

This announcement followed nationwide protests over the Finance Bill 2024, which led to casualties, fatalities, and substantial property damage. President William Ruto subsequently declined to sign the contentious Bill, returning it to Parliament for review.